What is a “Green Energy Facility” ?

A “Green Energy Facility” is a generating station that uses a renewable source of fuel to generate energy that can then be turned into electricity and heat. Sources of renewable energy include wind, sun, water, hydrogen and biomass. The Renfrew Green Energy Facility is a facility that will produce electricity and heat from wood waste (biomass), local municipal solid waste and natural gas (as a backup fuel). Since the facility will use energy to generate both heat and electricity, it is referred to as a co-generation facility.

The Ontario government is looking for new “green” or “renewable” sources of electricity generation and has established an Ontariowide green energy goal of 5 per cent by 2007, and 10 per cent by 2010. The Renfrew Green Energy project is ideally timed to take advantage of this goal and to assist with the local sawmill residue and MSW issues in the area.

What type of technology will be used?

The system will be generating both electricity and heat. Believe it or not, this is not a new concept. Europeans are now, and have been, using this technology for over 150 years in large generating systems. They use a proven system called the Rankine Cycle Electrical Generator.What is new, is a Canadian twist on the technology that allows it to be cost effective in smaller 0.5-2 megawatt systems.

What’s in it for Renfrew?

The Town of Renfrew is being proactive in addressing its needs and problems. It is taking a lead position among smaller communities in Canada which are watching this project closely. Many of them don’t realize the potential of the fuel sources they have around them, like wood waste, MSW and bio-solids. These fuels can be used to cost-effectively run a generator and simultaneously create electricity and heat for their communities. They will be able to turn their problems into solutions by following Renfrew’s lead.

What about the local economy? Will this create jobs?

Absolutely! The Renfrew Green Energy Facility will keep existing jobs in Renfrew and will create new ones. As a matter of fact, it could actually rejuvenate the forestry industry. Everyone here knows Renfrew is a lumber town. Its history is all about forestry and lumber. Lately the industry has been suffering for various reasons. This project creates an economic solution for sawdust, thinnings and other waste that has no market today.

What is co-generation?

Co-generation is a highly efficient means of generating heat and electric power at the same time. The waste heat from generating power is used to provide heating to nearby buildings. It reaches efficiencies that triple, or even quadruple, conventional power generation.